There is a ancient Greek Myth of how the flower Narcissus got it’s name. Zeus basically punished Narcissus for the way he treated the Nymph Echo. However, at death Narcissus uttered words of love for another and Zeus took pity on him and transformed his body into a white flower that would bloom once again, every spring. This one photographed at The Keukenhoff in Holland. You can see other works of nature and buy prints at my commercial gallery.
Narcissus Paperwhites
Spring happens later in the mountains. At 1700 feet above sea level, tulips don’t really bloom until Mothers Day. These are the first tulips of the year in our pocono mountain garden. See other images of spring and buy prints at my commercial gallery.
First Tulips of Spring
Before visiting Holland I had seen a few Castles in France and Belgium but was always disappointed that they didn’t have moats. Any movie I ever saw that had a castle had a moat. I don’t know if this qualifies as a Castle. In Holland Castles and Palaces are called Slot. This is Slot Zuylen outside of Utrecht and it does have a moat! You can see other images from my Europe Gallery and buy prints by clicking here.
It is worth it to go to The Netherlands if the only thing you do is visit the Keukenhof. The park is 32 hectares wide and has 15 kilometres of footpaths so you can’t see it all in a day. There are wonderful Inns and hotels nearby if you wish to extend your stay. If you like Tulips go in the early spring but each season offers amazing garden views and activities for young and old. This image was taken in the rain during April and you can purchase a print and see others on my commercial gallery by clicking here.
April at the Keukenhof
This week I have been posting images from Holland. Hinda and I visited Amsterdam in April 2001 and we both can’t wait to go back. Next time we will go in May when it is a little warmer and the tulips are in bloom. This is a view of one of the many canals. You can see more images or buy a print of this one at my commercial gallery.
It is around this time of year that I get desperate for Spring and begin to look for signs of Spring returning to the mountains. Last week I saw and heard a Pileated Woodpecker. They don’t leave for long and are usually the first birds back to the area. Soon the winter birds will start to leave and fly north. Then the Robins will return. All these birds can fool you however, they can all handle a little cold and snow. You know its really spring when you see the hummingbirds and I can’t wait for their return. You can buy prints of these images and see others by clicking here.
Hummingbird
Hummingbird Close Up